There are tree ways to play this game. Championship, challenge, trial...
The championship mode is a simple race for a top. You have to finish first to reach to the next level. Challenge mode is a quick game, you just pick a track and you are racing against opponents who are controled by the computer. And the trial mode is a single player mode where they are no opponents and you can practise your skills. Up arrow is for acceleration, down arrow is your brake, left and right arrow are for steering and space bar is the nitro boost. Nitro boost is recharging for a few seconds, so use it clever !